The Sunday Mail
THE local literary scene has lately been facing a truckload of challenges that have resulted in the industry’s growth slowing down.
Many established writers have expressed concern on the sustainability of their profession, highlighting numerous discouraging conditions they are enduring.
To make matters worse, there have been limited platforms to address the industry’s problems.
The Zimbabwe International Book Fair, which was held in July, was a welcome platform for literary practitioners to meet and discuss how best the industry can move forward.
The literary sphere will once again come alive this week when the International Literature Festival (LitFest Harare) kicks off on Thursday.
The festival, which is meant to celebrate literature while exploring the industry, will be closing its curtains on Saturday.
A number of activities have been lined up and these will be held at various venues that include Gallery Delta, British Council, the University of Zimbabwe and Theatre in the Park, among others.
Both international and local practitioners will take part and these include Han Lynn from Burma, Elisabeth Beanca Horverson from Norway, Memory Chirere, Shimmer Chinodya and Dr Ibbo Mandaza, to name just a few.
However, the festival will not only be limited to literature as the organisers have incorporated music, spoken word and theatre in the programme.
Despite being in its second year, many people in the literary community believe that the Festival has the potential to grow.
During conversations with various individuals in the arts sector, I realised that people actually have a hunger for festivals that promote local arts.
Culture Fund’s executive director, Farai Mupfunya, said such festivals play an important role in the arts sector.
“We should promote this culture of literary festivals because these platforms bring together practitioners who then find solutions to the various problems faced by the industry,” said Mupfunya.
He went on to mention that literature plays an integral role in society as it is the highway in the dissemination of information.
“Literature is a very important art form as it helps individuals understand society better.
“This is the reason why the Government is always trying by all means to cultivate a reading culture in order to preserve this art,” said Mupfunya.
Award-winning writer, Memory Chirere, said there is a lot of work to be done if the country’s literary industry is to survive and initiatives such as the literature festival are a step in the right direction.
“You realise that we have a lot of problems that are affecting us as writers but instead of sitting back or giving up, we should actually step up our presence and find innovative solutions.
“I am glad that we are having this festival at which I am sure many ideas are going to be unpacked.
This festival is still in its infancy but the idea is brilliant and with time it is going to be a huge platform for literary practitioners,” said Chirere.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has produced many talented writers with some even winning international awards. However, despite boasting an array of talent, light in the future of the literary arts has been dim. Many practitioners in the industry are hoping that things will change for the better.
